Following on from the All Blacks Sevens quarter-final capitulation at the Rio Olympics in August, Watson likened this season to the dark days of 1998 - when the All Blacks lost a record five tests in a row - and the 2007 World Cup failure. "Great day for Ireland, not a great day for world rugby," Watson said of the All Blacks first defeat in 19 starts. Related Content 11 things you need to know about Joe Schmidt Video Watch: Best pics from historic Ireland win over All Blacks Cartoon: John Key's 'impressive delegation' to India"Forget your 18 consecutive test victories. Looking ahead to next year's highly anticipated Lions tour of New Zealand, Watson said the Ireland defeat would ensure the All Blacks were at their ruthless best on home soil. "This is the wake up that New Zealand rugby needed, this is the little reminder New Zealand rugby needed.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 07, 2016 07:14 UTC